Reasons for and Measures to Improve Low Glass Recycling Rate

Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment (a) what are the reasons for the low glass recycling rate in Singapore; and (b) what measures are being taken by the Ministry to improve the glass recycling rate.

Glass waste comprises around one per cent of total waste generated in 2022, with a recycling rate of 14 per cent. The recycling rate has been low due to the high cost of glass recycling, which weakens the economic incentive for generators of glass waste.

The entry of new recycling companies in Singapore and increasing awareness on sustainability issues will help to raise the glass recycling rate. For example, Abraclean, a glass recycling company which started operations in 2022, started processing recycled glass abrasives into ship blasting materials. NEA's Recycle Right campaign also raises awareness on how glass can be recycled properly.

We are exploring the feasibility of expanding the Extended Producer Responsibility approach to manage other packaging waste types, including glass containers.